The impotent man

Ah never was sorrow like mine

Author: William Hunter
Tune: THE IMPOTENT MAN
Published in 2 hymnals

Representative Text

1 "Ah! never was sorrow like mine,"
Thought he who was laid at the pool;
"Through ages of trouble I pine,
None cares if I ever be whole:
From season to season I wait,
The winters and summers roll round;
Yet said and still sadder my fate,
No help for the friendless is found.

2 "How often, since hither I came,
Have others successfully tried;
The wither'd, the blind, and the lame
Were cured, who have lain at my side;
How oft, when the waters were stirr'd,
Have I to their pity appeal'd;
Alas! that I never was heard,
They pass'd me--stepp'd in, and were heal'd."

3 Thus wearied with waiting, and faint;
Despairing of friendship or cure,
He pour'd out his doleful complaint,
Nor dream'd of a friend at the door:
"Wilt thou be made whole!" said a voice--
And pity exhaled in the breath:
"Alas!" said the sufferer, "no choice
Remains for the hopeless, but death."

4 "Arise up and walk; thou art whole;
Go, take up thy bed and remove;
No longer remain at the pool;
Acknowledge the cure from above."
Thus spoke the good stranger, and pass'd;
The sufferer was straitway restored;
And, victor o'er sorrow at last,
He walk'd, and rejoiced, and adored.

5 Oh! thou that hast waited in tears,
The angel of grace to descend;
Come, banish thy sorrow and fears,
And welcome this heavenly Friend:
'Tis Jesus, thy Saviour and Lord;
How kindly he speaks to thy soul!
What love is revealed in his word!
"Say, wilt thou to-day be made whole?"


Source: The Minstrel of Zion: a book of religious songs, accompanied with appropriate music, chiefly original #132

Author: William Hunter

Hunter, William, D.D, son of John Hunter, was born near Ballymoney, County Antrim, Ireland, May 26, 1811. He removed to America in 1817, and entered Madison College in 1830. For some time he edited the Conference Journal, and the Christian Advocate. In 1855 he was appointed Professor of Hebrew in Alleghany College: and subsequently Minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Alliance, Stark Country, Ohio. He died in 1877. He edited Minstrel of Zion, 1845; Select Melodies, 1851; and Songs of Devotion, 1859. His hymns, over 125 in all, appeared in these works. Some of these have been translated into various Indian languages. The best known are :— 1. A home in heaven; what a joyful thought. Heaven a Home. From his Minstrel of Zion, 1… Go to person page >

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First Line: Ah never was sorrow like mine
Title: The impotent man
Author: William Hunter
Copyright: Public Domain

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Hymns for the Use of the Brethren in Christ #d5

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The Minstrel of Zion #132

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